My Car Check – the UK’s No.1 consumer vehicle data provider, has saved millions of people from making an expensive used car mistake. In these monthly bulletins its used car experts reveal significant trends in the UK market and choose a ‘car of the month’.

Head of Valuation Services at My Car Check, Gavin Amos, said: “One for the purists, the Clio Renaultsport 200 is a firm favourite among petrolheads. With a sweet chassis and buzzing engine, many say this is the best in a long line of great models from Renault’s performance division. As always, check to make sure the one you’re looking at is what it claims to be – for instance, that it hasn’t been previously written-off – especially when buying privately.”

As to market trends, Amos said: “As normal at this time of year, franchised dealers are working frantically to hit challenging September new car sales targets. Meanwhile, there is a prime opportunity for independent traders to maximise their used car business.

“We have seen major players introducing new models into the 4x4 sector. With this in mind, it is worth noting that Audi’s all new Q7 is finally in showrooms, while the fantastic new Volvo XC90 is also gaining traction in the marketplace. Interestingly though, the introduction of these new models does not appear to have had a major impact on either demand or values for the outgoing models, certainly not to the level that many predicted. Old model Q7 values are holding up particularly well.

“Another strong performer is the JLR group, which appears to be going from strength to strength with its new model barrage. Discovery Sport sits at the top of many peoples’ wish list, and even those operating on a more limited budget are looking to get involved in the brand – more so than in the past.

“As we move into the autumn months, the used car sector traditionally sees a shift in demand in terms of model types. There’s bound to be fresh part-exchange stock from the new plate introduction, but overall used stock levels are felt to be low. We therefore expect values to remain firm, for the short term at least. As ever, higher mileage examples will be more affordable.”

It uses up-to-the-minute data from the police, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and all major finance houses, including Lloyds TSB and Santander.

To help UK consumers make the right choice, My Car Check can confirm in seconds whether your potential pride and joy has ever been scrapped, stolen or written-off, has any money owing on it, has had a plate or colour change and much more.